Bayou Bowl more than a game in Texas, Louisiana

BAYOU BOWLIt's more than a game in Texas, LouisianaPlayers, coaches agree football is serious business in neighboring states

SAM KHAN JR., Chronicle Correspondent

Published 5:30 am, Saturday, June 11, 2005

When Team Texas and Team Louisiana take the field at 8 p.m. today for the Third Annual Bayou Bowl at Stallworth Stadium, bragging rights will again be on the line and the Texas all-stars have every intention of winning their third straight Bayou Bowl.

"We want to keep the tradition going and make it a three-peat," said Yates defensive lineman and soon-to-be Houston Cougar Quentin Smith. "We want to let everyone know that nobody can come in our state and tell us what we can and can't do."

As many Texans will attest, football in this state at any level is taken seriously and supported with enthusiasm. Louisiana coach David Swacker of St. Amant High said football is just as important across the border and that it will show.

"It's obvious that football is big here because of population, but in Louisiana it's just kind of a way of life," Swacker said. "If you look on any roster of any big-time college program, you're going to find kids from Louisiana and Texas on there.

"Football is just a little different (in Texas and Louisiana). I think (college) coaches are always going to be attracted to our states because of the seriousness we take in football."

Swacker indicated the event isn't just for fun, and the Louisiana all-stars want nothing more than to post their first win.

"For any athlete or any coach, the reason they're playing any game is to win," he said. "Our job this week is to put a mark on that W column, and hopefully we will. I heard somebody say that this is a rivalry, but it's not going to be a rivalry until Louisiana wins some games."

Aside from the state bragging rights, the game also has seen a growth of interest as it enters its third year. There are many events for the coaches and players to participate in that give the week leading up to the game a college bowl-like feel.

The game will be broadcast live for the first time in its history. And, as Texas all-star and Terry head coach Tim Teykl said, word of mouth from past players about the event has helped attract more talent each year.

"There's a plethora of activities. I've been a part of a lot of bowls — Cotton Bowl, Bluebonnet Bowl, Sun Bowl — and this is patterned after those bowls," Teykl said. "It's a dream come true for (the players) and (the coaches).

"Each one of the players (on both sides), they go back and sell this game to 50 people. It gets to the point where kids are begging to play in it, and coaches are begging to coach in it. It's getting bigger and better."

And as the game and the events surrounding it progress, the Bayou Bowl is something the players and coaches involved hope can become a mainstay in high school football in this area.

"Everyone knows that in Texas, football is a big tradition," Smith said. "The experience has been great.

"To play another state, to represent our state, it's a very big honor."